Magical tale of fact and fantasy

Theatre Témoin will be presenting a one-off performance of The Fantasist in the Studio at Derby Theatre on Saturday, June 15, starting at 8pm.

Stunning life-size puppetry, created in collaboration with War Horse’s Robin Guiver, combines with object manipulation, physical theatre and original music in this highly imaginative, surreal and disturbing story of a woman battling bipolar disorder.

Informed by medical experts, The Fantasist emerges as part of a wave of puppetry that is growing exponentially since the West End success of War Horse and similar highly visual puppetry shows.

The Fantasist was developed between 2011 and 2012 from personal experience and medical research with the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT). The personal story behind this play has helped it become a vehicle for approaching the taboo subject of mental illness in a way that is nondidactic, funny and theatrically exciting.

In the mind of the fantasist, the real and the fanciful become dangerously blurred. As Louise gazes into the night, her fancy takes form. Objects move, time changes … and a seductive stranger opens up a world of exhilaration and magic. But everything comes at a price…

Tickets are £9 (concessions £6). For more information and to book tickets call the box office on 01332 59 39 39.